Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife Chapter 1603 - 1604: Wanting to Shift Positions

~3 minute read · 808 words
Previously on Back To The 80s: President's Doted Wife...
Following the destruction of the archives, the matter of Gao Linbing was officially closed. Qi Taiguo, though visibly changed and now dubbed the "Cold-faced Shura" by some, continued his duties, bearing a newfound coldness. Meanwhile, news arrived that Secretary Gao Hongbo had died, with Ning Ge suspecting Chiang Qing's involvement and suggesting she has powerful new backing.

Ning Ge found himself in a state of bewilderment, overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work. Previously, when he partnered with Cheng Su in business, he had provided the capital, but Cheng Su had handled most of the operational details. Now, managing the enterprise solely on his own, he discovered a never-ending stream of tasks requiring his attention.

By the time he returned to Qing City to rendezvous with Qi Taiguo and the others, early November had arrived, bringing with it a biting cold.

"Auntie, could I trouble you for another bowl of lamb soup?" Ning Ge, seated comfortably in Cheng Su’s home, first savored a hearty bowl of lamb soup that Mother Cheng had lovingly served, then eagerly requested a second serving.

"Certainly!" Mother Cheng responded with warmth, promptly heading back to the kitchen to prepare more soup.

Cheng Su chuckled, remarking, "As soon as you arrive, my mother treats you as if you were her own son. It’s quite rare for you to praise her soup so highly."

With the transition into autumn and winter, the availability of lamb in the market meant that lamb dishes, whether a steaming bowl of lamb soup or delectable braised lamb, became a regular feature on Cheng Su’s family dining table.

Today's meal was, fittingly, a pot of lamb soup, the perfect dish to provide nourishment and warmth against the chill of the season.

"I consider myself truly fortunate!" Ning Ge responded with a smile.

Mother Cheng returned with a bowl filled with lamb and soup, then inquired, "Xiao Ning, why don’t you stay for dinner tonight? I’ll go out and buy some more delicacies!"

"Auntie, with this soup, I’m perfectly content with just plain rice!" Ning Ge replied with a laugh. "The soup you make is on par with that of the finest chefs!"

"Is that so?" Mother Cheng’s laughter was effusive, her arms swaying with delight. "Then I shall prepare a couple more delicious dishes for you!"

"Excellent!"

Mother Cheng, taking a basket, departed for the market.

Cheng Su playfully chided, "You're quite the charmer." She then picked up Qi Xiaoqi and said to them, "You two chat, I’ll go put this little one to sleep."

Once the door had closed behind Cheng Su, Ning Ge’s smile vanished. He turned to Qi Taiguo, his expression serious, and inquired, "There was quite a significant stir not too long ago. I heard that even within the military, two agents were purged. Is there someone from around here involved as well?"

Qi Taiguo displayed no surprise or suspicion regarding Ning Ge's source of information. He understood that Ning Ge, with his past as an agent and his current status, could still access intelligence networks, especially with Ning Gang in his family.

"It was Gao Linbing," Qi Taiguo stated plainly, seeing no reason to conceal the truth from Ning Ge. He proceeded to recount Gao Linbing’s situation with a calm demeanor.

Upon hearing the details, Ning Ge gently placed a hand on Qi Taiguo’s shoulder, offering silent commiseration.

"I am alright; I have accepted it," Qi Taiguo replied, a slight curve to his lips.

Ning Ge let out a soft scoff. "If you had truly accepted it, your expression would not be like this. You would not be shrouded in such a cold, desolate aura, more chilling than the frigid wind howling outside from the north."

Qi Taiguo’s lips pressed together tightly.

"Let us set this aside for now. Why did you summon me here? Is it regarding Chiang Qing?" Ning Ge, wishing to avoid reopening old wounds, steered the conversation in a new direction. "What is the latest on that Chiang Qing matter?"

Seeing Qi Taiguo nod in confirmation, Ning Ge continued, "According to the intelligence I've gathered, she has already left the country."

Qi Taiguo’s brow furrowed, then relaxed. "And who is assisting her?"

Regarding this particular question, Ning Ge felt a sense of helplessness. "We have not yet ascertained that. As you know, I have left the organization and cannot access certain information. However, observing how she managed to evade Gao Hongbo without any repercussions and has now successfully departed the country, her supporters must be formidable."

Qi Taiguo's face hardened. "So, it is possible she could make a return at any moment?"

Ning Ge met his gaze.

"Whatever it takes, assist me in uncovering as much as possible," Qi Taiguo stated with a cold determination. "Know yourself and know your enemy, and victory will be within your grasp."

"Understood!"

"Furthermore," Qi Taiguo continued, his eyes fixed on Ning Ge, "I intend to advance within my current position, regardless of the potential dangers. I require higher authority and greater influence. Can you leverage your connection to speak on my behalf?"